Observe Repeal Day (aka the day Prohibition ended) with a drink at these ex-speakeasies

Berry's Creek's colorful history includes use as a 20th-century commerce route, Prohibition-era bootlegging and a drainage ditch during the industrial boom up into the 1970s, with the latter sealing the creek's murky fate as mercury and other toxins
Kelly Nicholaides/NorthJersey.com

It was 85 years ago today — Dec. 5, 1933 — that Utah became the 36th state to adopt the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment — known as the noble experiment and the prohibition of alcohol.

The 21st Amendment is unique in two ways, according to constitutionalcenter.org:

It is the only Constitutional amendment that repeals a previous amendment, namely, the 18th Amendment, which was ratified in 1919, which prohibited “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors.”

And it is the only amendment that was ratifiedby state ratifying conventions, which were called for by the Amendment’s third section, rather than ratification by the state legislatures. The Constitution allows for ratification by either method.

The 85th Repeal Day, as it is known, can be celebrated by having a bite and a nip at one of any number of former speakeasies — illicit bars that provided alcohol during Prohibition.

The Barn

In 1929 The Barn was Wyckoff's local spot to grab an illegal drink and as recently as 30 years ago was still a hard place to find except for locals, as only a small light clued thirsty customers where the parking lot was.

The structure was built in 1779 as a dairy barn, but took on a more covert identity during Prohibition. It is located 359 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff; 201-848-0108.

Cowan's Public

With a curved Art Deco bar, fireplace and cabinets full of Prohibition-era antiques, Cowan’s Public in Nutley was constructed in the early 1920s, survived Prohibition to open as a pub after passage of the 21st Amendment.

Over the years it was known as Lou’s, John’s Tavern and Nutley Pub before its present incarnation. Cowan's is located at 229 Centre St., Nutley; 973-542-8151.

The Laundromat

The Laundromat in Morristown stays true to the speakeasy tradition because maintains its faux frontage. When you walk into 4 Dehart Street, there's only a few laundry machines stacked along the walls.

Locate the door and head to the basement, and you’ll find a bar with exposed brick walls. In this secret entrance, it reminds one of the old Chumley's in Manhattan, may it rest in peace. Address: 4 Dehart St, Morristown; 973-455-0200.